York Knights have announced that a locally‑based ownership consortium has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the club. The consortium is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson and members of his family, and the transfer of ownership for both York Knights and the women’s side, York Valkyrie, is currently moving through the necessary channels, awaiting formal ratification by the Rugby Football League.
The timing of this change comes on the back of a remarkable period for the club. York Knights secured promotion to the Super League for the first time at the close of the previous season and are now positioned 12th in the top‑flight table. Meanwhile, York Valkyrie have continued to dominate the women's game, clinching consecutive Betfred Women’s Super League championships in 2023 and 2024 and currently sit third in this year’s standings.
In conjunction with the ownership shift, senior leadership at the club is also being reshaped. Long‑time chairman and chief executive Clint Goodchild has stepped down from his dual role.
The club’s general manager, Neil Gulliver, will assume the chief executive position, while board member Richard Larking will remain on the board as a director, ensuring continuity in governance. A formal statement from York RLFC expressed gratitude toward Goodchild, noting, “The club would like to put on record its appreciation and thanks to Clint Goodchild for his time as custodian of the club.
His vision, ambition and drive saw the club progress during his tenure at an incredible pace.” The statement went on to highlight the club’s recent re‑branding effort, which coincided with unprecedented on‑field success. York Valkyrie secured back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League titles, and the Knights captured the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley before achieving promotion to the Betfred Super League for the 2026 season – a historic first for the franchise. The new ownership group has pledged to build on this momentum.
“The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have brought immense pride to the city,” the statement read. “The incoming ownership group is fully committed to enhancing the club’s future, building on these strong foundations, and unlocking York Knights’ true potential.” Over the next few weeks, the consortium plans to outline a detailed strategic roadmap that will guide the club through the climax of the 2026 campaign and set the stage for preparations ahead of the 2027 season. Goodchild, reflecting on his tenure, said, “I brought ambition. I leave with enough friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
On arrival I knew York was a proud rugby league city, but I didn’t know then how much this place, this club and its people would come to mean to me.” He continued, “To the players who sacrifice their bodies, the coaches who demand more, the staff who care far beyond their job descriptions, the volunteers who give their time, the sponsors and partners who believe, and the supporters who keep turning up – thank you for believing. Together we made history.” Goodchild added, “The club is in safe hands and has a very bright future.
The club is lucky to have such a wonderful Yorkshire family involved and I am excited for this next York RLFC chapter.” The announcement also touched on broadcast arrangements for the upcoming Super League season. Sky Sports will televise every match live, with two fixtures each round offered as exclusive live broadcasts. The remaining five games per round will be available via the Sky Sports+ streaming platform, ensuring fans have multiple avenues to follow the Knights’ journey. Beyond the immediate operational changes, the takeover signals a broader commitment to community engagement and long‑term sustainability.
The Dickson family’s deep roots in York mean they understand the city’s sporting heritage and the pivotal role rugby league plays in local identity. Their stated aim is to deepen ties with schools, grassroots clubs, and local businesses, fostering a pipeline of talent and support that will keep the club competitive on the national stage. In practical terms, the new owners have indicated plans to invest in facilities upgrades at the club’s home ground, improve training infrastructure, and expand the academy system. These enhancements are designed to give both the men’s and women’s squads the resources they need to compete at the highest level while also providing pathways for young athletes in the region.
The strategic vision also includes a focus on digital innovation. By leveraging modern analytics, fan‑engagement platforms, and enhanced social media outreach, the ownership group hopes to broaden the club’s reach beyond traditional rugby league audiences, attracting new supporters locally and internationally.
Overall, the transition marks a significant milestone for York rugby league. With a fresh ownership structure, a reshaped executive team, and a clear blueprint for growth, the Knights and Valkyrie are poised to build on their recent triumphs and cement York’s status as a powerhouse in both the men’s and women’s games for years to come.